Our Daily Bread: Navigating the Bluesنموونە

When We Are Distressed, PART 1

He himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. -1 KINGS 19:4–6

Elijah is another biblical figure many admire and consider to be a mighty, faithful man. Yet, when I read Elijah’s story, I see more.

I definitely see a courageous prophet who stood up to King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. But I also see a human being grappling with issues of fatigue that led to depression.

Elijah shows us some important ways to deal (and not deal) with our blues.

In the first part of 1 Kings 19, Elijah was scared even though he had just defeated many of his enemies. With God’s help, he had performed the miraculous.

(Elijah had just challenged the people who worshipped an idol god to have their idol send fire; when their god could not deliver their request, Elijah demonstrated the one and only God’s power to send the fire. See 1 Kings 18:16–39.)

Yet when we see him in today’s Scripture, Elijah is telling God to take his life. He is ready to die because he has had enough. Elijah feels like a failure. In this passage of Scripture, we have some prescriptions to assist with the overwhelming symptoms of the blues, severe fatigue, and depression.

1. Go to sleep. Get your rest. Take a nap; sleep in; go to bed earlier. However you can manage to get more rest, do it. If you had a cold or another type of illness, you’d rest.

Don’t think any differently about emotional illnesses. You need your rest—sometimes more rest than you would normally.

2. Eat. And eat foods that will help you. It has been shown that processed foods and fast foods (fried items) can enhance depressed moods. As best as you can, try to leave those alone during this time.

Use food as another form of treatment and medicine. Find foods that can help your mood—fresh fruits and vegetables; good, lean meat (if you eat meat). Ask someone you trust to prepare a few meals—many who might want to help, don’t know how. You can give them some suggestions.

3. Pray. Even when it feels like God doesn’t hear you, know that God does. That’s what Elijah did when he cried out to God and asked for God to take his life. He was praying. And God answered with some help through an angel’s message.

What will you do today to practice one or more of Elijah’s prescriptions for depression?

MY CONFESSION

I can rest, eat well, and pray today no matter how I feel.If you are considering harming yourself, know that there is help. Reach out at 1-800-273-8255 or dial 988.

Follow Elijah’s prescription today. How will you get more rest, eat better, and remember to pray?

My God, my God: I need you today. Give me what I need to make it through this day and through this season of distress. Help me to rest, choose good food, and keep praying. Send me the help I need. Amen.

*This devotion is taken from Day 3 of Katara Washington Patton’s book Navigating the Blues: Where to Turn When Worry, Anxiety, or Depression Steals Your Hope.